Moscow has served as Russia’s capital for most of its history, except for a short period when the Tsar relocated to St Petersburg. The Bolsheviks restored the capital to Moscow in 1918, making it a diverse and vibrant city. While it can take weeks to explore all its attractions, here’s a guide for making the most out of a two-day visit.
Day One
Morning
Kick off your Moscow adventure early with a delightful breakfast at Grand Cafe Dr Zhivago. Situated in the historical National hotel and offering stunning views of the Kremlin, this café serves delicious meals like millet porridge with crawfish and traditional cottage cheese with raisins.
Next, set aside ample time to visit Moscow’s top attractions: Red Square and the Kremlin. Cross the street from Dr Zhivago, stroll through the Alexander Garden, and head to the main entrance at Kutafya Tower. Visit the cathedrals including Archangel Cathedral and Uspensky Cathedral, and admire landmarks like the Tsar Bell and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower. Each offers breathtaking views that shouldn’t be missed.
Afternoon
After exploring, walk to the Red Square through the scenic Alexander Garden. If you’re hungry, visit the food court at Okhotny Ryad for a quick snack.
In Red Square, take in the grandeur of four historically significant buildings: the Kremlin’s Spasskaya Tower, the iconic St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, and GUM, the oldest department store in Moscow, famous for its stunning glass roof.
Just behind St Basil’s Cathedral lies the modern Zaryadye Park, designed by the renowned Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Featuring diverse flora from every climate zone in Russia, the park’s floating bridge offers spectacular views of the Moscow River and city skyline. It’s a perfect spot for photos.
Consider dining at the Voskhod restaurant located in a glass pavilion within the park. Voskhod offers a menu that highlights dishes from all fifteen former Soviet republics, making it ideal for both lunch and an early dinner.
Evening
To unwind after a busy day, indulge in a traditional Russian hot bath at Sanduny. It’s a perfect way to relax, and don’t forget to try a massage with birch sticks for a unique experience.
Before concluding your day, visit the Winzavod Center—a creative hub featuring contemporary art galleries, such as XL, pop/off/art, and Ovcharenko. End your evening at a vibrant bar like Noor Electro, where you can experience live performances and great food.
Day Two
Morning
Start your second day with a caffeine boost at Nude, a trendy café located near Patriarch’s Ponds. This spot offers an array of breakfast options from scrambled eggs to delicious banana bread. It can get quite busy, so an early visit is recommended.
Afterward, explore the captivating Patriarch’s Ponds, made famous by Mikhail Bulgakov’s classic novel The Master and Margarita. Spend your morning visiting one of Moscow’s acclaimed museums, selecting between the Tretyakov Gallery, New Tretyakov, Pushkin Museum, or the Garage Museum to enjoy world-class art collections.
Afternoon
Regardless of your choice, you won’t want to miss LavkaLavka for lunch. Celebrated for its innovative take on Russian cuisine, this restaurant revives traditional recipes with contemporary flair. Here, you can sample polugar, often regarded as the 19th-century Russian term for vodka.
Literary enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Tolstoy Estate Museum, located near the headquarters of Yandex. This museum beautifully preserves the atmosphere of the late 1800s, just as Leo Tolstoy experienced it.
Evening
Make sure to explore the Moscow Metro—each station is a breathtaking architectural wonder. Key stations like Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, and Kievskaya are particularly noteworthy.
Finish your adventurous day by discovering one of the numerous craft beer bars in Moscow. For an enjoyable evening, check out Jawsspot, which not only offers a selection of local brews but also serves tasty pizzas and salads.
